Mother Seeks Support After Losing Three Children in I-40 Rollover Crash
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY, Calif. (VVNG.com) — A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help cover final expenses following a tragic crash that claimed the lives of three children, and to support their mother, Tamara Ortiz, as she navigates this heartbreaking loss.
The single-vehicle crash occurred on Sunday, May 4, 2025, at approximately 7:45 a.m. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner’s Office, the victims were identified as Bryce Martinez, 35, of Yermo, and his three children: 10-year-old Sailor Martinez, 15-year-old Trent Martinez, and 16-year-old Cole Martinez, all of Barstow.
The group was traveling in a 2012 Dodge Ram when the vehicle veered off the roadway, entered the dirt shoulder, and overturned multiple times, CHP officials said. All four occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, though authorities said they do not believe alcohol or drugs were involved.
In an emotional Facebook post, Tamara Ortiz shared the difficulty of processing the loss of her “beautiful babies,” thanking the community for the outpouring of prayers, calls, texts, and visits.
“The outpouring of love and support has been a blessing in this dark time in our lives,” Ortiz wrote. “If you would like to donate to help us while we navigate through this difficult time, here is a link for the ones who have asked how they could help.”
The GoFundMe, titled “Support for Tamara Ortiz’s Heartbreaking Loss,” was organized by Michael Garcia of Barstow, California. It states, “It is with heavy hearts that we reach out to friends and family to support the loss of Tamara Ortiz’s three beautiful children. As many know, we lost Cole, 17, Trent, 15, and Sailor, 10, to a single-car rollover on I-40 May 4th, 2025. This tragedy is unexpected and, as you can imagine, heartbreaking.”
Garcia explained that while the family is still working through the logistics of final arrangements, they are reaching out for financial assistance. “We have not fully come to understand what is in store for us and have not yet been provided with a final cost to prepare the children for final resting,” the GoFundMe reads. “It’s taken this long just to identify them for release from the coroner [on] 05/10.”
He emphasized that the GoFundMe is the only mother-approved fundraiser and that funds will go directly to Tamara Ortiz, with no middleman. Donations can also be made directly to Dignity Memorial in Barstow, who have agreed to accept contributions to assist with costs.
“If you are willing to donate, please know how much she and the rest of us truly appreciate it,” Garcia added.
As of Sunday, May 11, 2025, the fundraiser had raised $4,120.
Photos shared along with the fundraiser show Cole, Trent, and Sailor smiling in various family moments, capturing the bond they shared.
The California Highway Patrol Barstow Area Office is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer S. Herrera at (760) 255-5900.
To donate to the official fundraiser, visit: https://gofund.me/bfccdfc5.
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